Split Stay

[TeacherDL]

We are looking at going the first week of April (husband, two daughters ages 16 and 10, and myself). We are planning to go to Disney Sunday-Wednesday, and try Universal Wednesday-Saturday (staying onsite). My youngest is a major Harry Potter fan, and I think the roller coasters are right up my kid's alley too.
So, does that amount of time look reasonable to you? (We've been to Disney a lot.) What is the best way to get from Disney to Universal, and then from Universal back to the airport? Are we better off to rent a car? One more question...On Wednesday, we will be traveling to universal. Would we be able to ride much that day? Do you recommend going to the parks on Wednesday or just hanging around the hotel pool? I wasn't sure how crowded it would be. It's April 7th (Wednesday). Thanks in advance.

 

[HM]

I'll answer the question about riding on Wednesday. Yes, by all means, go to the parks on your switch day after you check in (and maybe get settled). Get your Express Passes set up and go to the park and have fun! Two full days and two partial days will be a good amount of time with the EP available to you. You'll likely find you can enjoy the pool and resort in the afternoons too.

The car/transportation part...I don't really have a response. I've only been when we've driven down and had a car. My trip next month will be the first time we come in and go to US/IOA from the airport. I still haven't decided how to deal with our transport yet.

 

[TeacherDL]

I'll answer the question about riding on Wednesday. Yes, by all means, go to the parks on your switch day after you check in (and maybe get settled). Get your Express Passes set up and go to the park and have fun! Two full days and two partial days will be a good amount of time with the EP available to you. You'll likely find you can enjoy the pool and resort in the afternoons too.

The car/transportation part...I don't really have a response. I've only been when we've driven down and had a car. My trip next month will be the first time we come in and go to US/IOA from the airport. I still haven't decided how to deal with our transport yet.

Do you buy your tickets in advance or wait until you arrive at the hotel? Thanks for the advice.

 

[HM]

I bought my tickets through UndercoverTourist before our trip the last couple times.
I have bought single day tickets once while there and I don't recommend that route.

 

[macraven]

you should be fine with those dates.
i just checked a site for spring break and most of the schools shown are back in school when you do your trip.

easter is march 27th next year so you will be clear from that crowd in the parks.

since you have a short stay, i would hit the parks once you check into the hotel.
use what time you have to start the fun!

you can do a pool at disney if you want water time.
or do the hotel pool at the darkside later in the evening when the parks are closed.

there are some private transportation companies that will do a 3 leg stay for $140, others at $150 and up.
i wouldn't mess with a car as there will be a nightly fee for parking at the hotel.
put that $60 some dollars towards car service.